Trick but no treat in Thirsk

Thirsk police are appealing for information following a distraction burglary in Hambleton Place on Halloween night.

From around 6.10pm, on Monday 31st October 2011, police began receiving calls about the suspicious behaviour of two men who were calling at houses in the Hambleton estate area claiming to be checking water problems in the area.

One of the men called at the home of an 85 year old woman in Hambleton Place and claimed that the house next door had water problems and he needed to check her taps.

The woman let him into the house and took him through to the kitchen where he ran the taps, he also went into the Bathroom. While she was distracted with the first man, a second man entered her house and stole money from her purse.

The burglary took place on Halloween night when there were lots of people in the neighbourhood who were out ‘trick or treating’.

Officers have been carrying out door-to-door enquiries in the area and would like to hear from anyone who was out and about and saw the men or their vehicle. Or, anyone else who has been targeted by the men, but has not already contacted the police.

The men are described as aged between 30 to 50 dressed in dark, casual work-style clothing and one was wearing a baseball cap. One had dark hair and olive skin. The car they used is described as a dark-coloured saloon.

The men also called at a house in Gormire Close in Thirsk, but the owner told them to leave and nothing was stolen.

If you can help the police with any more information about sightings of the men or their identity, please call Northallerton CID on 0845 60 60 247, quoting reference 12110185050.

Thirsk police have issued the following advice when dealing with cold callers at your door:

Use a door chain if you have one

If someone claims to be from a utility company, ask them to post their card through the door so you can check their credentials with their employer.